The Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) is responsible for planning, investing and overseeing research, development and extension (RD&E) for the Australian cotton industry.
About CRDC
As a Commonwealth statutory RDC, CRDC is an Australian government entity with a board of directors appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, based on recommendations from a selection committee.
CRDC has two key stakeholders: Australian cotton growers and Cotton Australia, and the Australian Government (through the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry).
Cotton growers determine CRDC’s RD&E priorities and co-fund research through a grower levy. These priorities are formalised in CRDC’s Strategic RD&E Plan 2023-28, Clever Cotton, which guides funding and innovation projects across all areas of the cotton value chain. Key areas of focus include productivity and profitability, sustainability and climate resilience, and enhanced decision making via data and digital technologies.
CRDC also engages with startups and international partners to accelerate innovation and drive global collaboration, particularly in areas like precision agriculture, remote sensing, and low-emission farming technologies.
Strategic priorities
CRDC invests in research and projects that align with their strategic priorities and annual operational plan. These priorities are listed above and outlined in the CRDC Strategic RD&E Plan 2023-28.
- Paddock: Improving productivity, profitability, and sustainability through precise monitoring and measurement of cotton fields and by adopting innovative technologies and practices. Boosting the sustainability, market access, diversity, and value of Australian cotton.
- People: Fostering collaboration in RD&E and building skills and capabilities to support RD&E and the future growth of the cotton industry. Implementing pathways for the adoption of new knowledge and technologies.
- Planet: Promoting resilient farming practices to support productivity, biodiversity, and climate change adaptation, while improving regional water, land, and soil quality. Establishing a low-carbon cotton production system that adapts to future climate challenges. Developing a circular economy for Australian cotton, improving sustainability and resource efficiency.
Funding
- Funding by a cotton levy charged on all cotton produced and processed in Australia and harvested seed cotton that is intended for export, and
- R&D matching is provided by the Australian Government through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
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Contact
For more information about Cotton Research and Development Corporation, click the 'Get in touch' link to reach out.